Solar PV versus Other Energy Sources
Solar PV (Solar Photovoltaics) only generates a small fraction of quoted design output in UK conditions over the course of a yearly cycle.
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The chart below is a comparison of various energy generation systems over time, comparing actual performance with designed capability.
The key facts about Solar PV efficiency are:
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Solar PV will be available whenever it has power to sell. Solar PV output is very low in the winter months, with the average daily output being around 10% of the peak summer output.
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Off-shore and on-shore wind will be available when the wind blows. It blows more at sea so the available wind to be captured is greater off-shore and the generators are better.
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Nuclear will provide some of the baseload, but its output cannot be readily raised and lowered to compensate for changes to output from wind and solar.
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Gas powered power stations therefore have to be used fill in when solar and wind power output is insufficient to meet the demands of the national grid.
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Over investment in Solar will result in more gas fired power stations having to be run in the winter when Solar output is consistently low.
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Data shows this as a consistent factor over 5 years of monitoring. See this link for full details.